Peace officers salute fallen comrades at somber service in Las Cruces

LAS CRUCES — It was a family outing of sorts Tuesday as area law enforcement officers gathered for the Southern New Mexico Fallen Peace Officer Memorial service at the Las Cruces Convention Center.

The event has been conducted in Las Cruces for about 23 years. In southern New Mexico and El Paso, 35 peace officers have died in the line of duty since 1880.

A memorial procession, including a riderless horse, made its way down El Paseo Road to the convention center where officers from numerous law enforcement agencies wore black ribbons in honor of the fallen.

The service included a 21-gun salute and a bagpiper's playing of "Amazing Grace."

"It's a chance to get with the families again," said Don Morrison, director of emergency services at White Sands Missile Range, a former state police captain who has been the master of ceremonies for the event for about 16 years.

"This ceremony brings back the idea of getting together with the families, their loss and the community's loss. ...As a peace officer, you often miss out on a lot of things with your family because you're always working. Part of this day, too, is to recognize that there are a lot of sacrifices the families have to make. They often sacrifice as much as the officers do."

Tuesday's ceremony, before a standing-room-only crowd at the convention center, paid special tribute to the area's fallen peace officers.

For Mesilla Mayor Nora Barraza, the annual event has special significance. Three of the fallen officers who receive special tribute were members of the Mesilla Marshal's Department.

"I make it a point to come to these ceremonies because it makes us realize that the officers, law enforcement, firefighters and first responders are putting their lives on the line for us every single day," Barraza said. "Because of the tragic losses we've experienced in Mesilla, this is an especially moving ceremony for me."

New Mexico State Police Capt. Rich Libicer said the proper recognition for the fallen officers and their families goes hand in hand.

"We should never forget our fallen comrades and we should never forget their families," Libicer said.

New Mexico Department of Public Safety Officer David Jacquez put that into perspective, as he spoke of his father, his "tata," Daniel Rivera Jr., who died in the line of duty, when Jacquez was only 22 months old.

"I grew up playing cops and robbers, but I still never saw myself becoming a cop," Jacquez said. "I guess I was apprehensive of following in his footsteps. But being an officer has changed my life, for the better."

Steve Ramirez can be reached at 575-541-5452. Follow him on Twitter @SteveRamirez6

Fallen Peace Officer Memorial Service

— The Southern New Mexico Fallen Peace Officer Memorial was conducted Tuesday for the 23rd year.

— In the U.S. it is the 50th anniversary the Fallen Peace Officer Memorial.

— In southern New Mexico and El Paso, 35 peace officers have died in the line of duty since 1880.